This glossary explains the words you are most likely to meet when buying a fabric sofa, from frame and suspension terms to cushion fillings, upholstery types and design details. Knowing what each term means makes product descriptions much easier to compare, helps you ask the right questions and lets you judge comfort and durability with more confidence. Terms are grouped by topic and listed alphabetically within each group, so you can jump straight to the part you need.
As you read, you may find it useful to browse our fabric sofas UK sale and see how these terms appear in real specifications. Our wider collection of modern sofas UK also includes leather designs, so you can compare how terminology differs between materials.
Small pieces of wood glued and screwed into the inside corners of a sofa frame. They strengthen joints and help the frame stay rigid over time.
Joints where wooden pegs, called dowels, are inserted into drilled holes to connect two parts of the frame. Usually combined with glue for strength.
A broad term for manufactured wood products such as plywood, MDF and particleboard. Quality varies, but well made engineered frames can be strong and stable.
A frame made from dense timber such as beech or oak. Hardwood is valued for strength and resistance to warping.
Timber that has been dried in a controlled oven to reduce moisture. Kiln dried wood is less likely to shrink, crack or warp after the sofa is made.
A solid upholstered or wooden base that runs along the bottom of the sofa instead of visible legs. Gives a grounded, contemporary look.
Traditional springs set vertically under the seat. Sometimes hand tied for a firm, responsive feel.
Individual springs sewn into fabric pockets. Each spring moves independently, giving more targeted support and reducing the feeling of rolling towards a neighbour.
Also called sinuous or zigzag springs. S shaped steel wires that run from front to back of the seat, offering firm, even support while keeping the frame slim.
Elasticated or woven straps stretched across the frame to support cushions. Common in slimmer, Scandinavian inspired sofas.
A blend of feathers and polyester fibre. Feels soft and relaxed, with a slight sink in comfort. Needs regular plumping to stay full.
A layer of polyester fibre wrapped around a foam core. Adds softness to the surface while the foam provides structure.
A measure of how much material is packed into a foam cushion. Higher density foam generally lasts longer and holds its shape better. It is not the same as firmness.
Foam that softens with body heat and moulds to your shape. More common in mattresses but occasionally used in sofa seats and sofa bed mattresses.
Cushions that are upholstered on both sides and can be turned over. Turning them regularly spreads wear evenly.
Small loose cushions placed on the sofa for comfort and decoration, separate from the main seat and back cushions.
A back where the cushions are attached to the frame rather than loose. Keeps the sofa looking tidy with less plumping.
A sofa back tall enough to support the head and neck. Popular with taller people and for upright seating.
Large loose cushions forming the back of the sofa. Relaxed and comfortable, but they need regular plumping.
A rounded arm that curls outwards, found on traditional designs such as the Chesterfield and Lawson styles.
A back with upholstery fitted directly over padding, with no loose cushions. Gives a crisp, tailored outline.
A straight, squared arm with a clean, linear profile. Common on contemporary sofas and helpful for maximising seat width.
A fabric woven from looped yarn, giving a soft, nubbly texture. Tactile and on trend, though loops can catch on pet claws.
A fabric with a soft, fuzzy pile created by tufted yarns. Warm to the touch and comfortable for everyday use.
A natural fibre made from flax. Breathable, with a slightly slubby texture. Often blended with cotton or synthetics to reduce creasing.
A general term for upholstery treated or engineered to resist stains, fading or wear. Specifications vary, so check what a particular fabric offers.
A rough, textured woollen fabric, often with a flecked appearance. Hard wearing and traditional, it also looks smart on modern shapes.
A fabric with a dense, short pile and a soft sheen. Rich in appearance and often surprisingly durable, though it can show pressure marks.
A letter code on the fabric label that indicates suitable cleaning methods, such as water based cleaner, solvent cleaner or professional cleaning only.
How well a fabric holds its colour when exposed to light, rubbing or cleaning.
A standard test that measures abrasion resistance by rubbing fabric until visible wear appears. The result is often called the rub count. A higher figure suggests better resistance to wear.
Small balls of fibre that form on the surface of fabric through friction. Common on some blends and can be removed gently with a fabric shaver.
The raised surface fibres on fabrics such as velvet and chenille. Pile direction affects how colour appears from different angles.
UK furniture sold for domestic use must meet fire safety regulations, and new upholstered furniture carries labels showing compliance. Never remove these labels.
An extended seat at one end of the sofa for stretching out. Chaise sofas are often described as left or right hand facing.
An L shaped sofa designed to fit into a corner, with seating along two sides.
Describes the side of a corner or chaise sofa as you look at it from the front. Always check the retailer’s definition, as conventions can differ.
A small sofa designed for two people. Often used in compact rooms or alongside a larger sofa.
A sofa made from separate sections that can be arranged in different configurations. Useful for awkward rooms and difficult access.
A matching collection, typically a larger sofa with a smaller sofa or armchair in the same design and fabric. Our fabric sofa sets UK sale bring coordinated pieces together for a consistent look.
A sofa that converts into a bed, usually with a fold out mechanism or a pull out frame. Our modern sofa beds UK combine everyday seating with an occasional guest bed.
Buttons stitched through the upholstery to create indentations. Deep buttoning gives a traditional look, while shallow buttoning is more contemporary.
A fabric covered cord sewn into seams to define edges. Sometimes called welting.
A fabric panel that hangs from the base of the sofa, covering the legs. Associated with cottage and traditional styles.
Legs that narrow towards the floor, often angled slightly outward. A signature of mid century and Scandinavian design.
Visible stitching along seams, sometimes in a contrasting thread, used to add definition.
The distance from the floor to the top of the arm. Affects comfort and whether the arm can support a resting elbow.
The distance from the front of the sofa to the back. Essential for planning both the room and the delivery route.
The distance from the front edge of the seat to the back cushion. Deeper seats suit lounging, shallower ones suit upright sitting.
The distance from the floor to the top of the seat cushion. Important for ease of sitting down and standing up.
Sofa beds have an extra set of measurements once opened, and our guide to sofa bed open dimensions for UK rooms explains how to plan for them. If you are comparing corner designs, our practical checklist for UK corner sofa sets puts many of these terms to work.
Keep these terms in mind when reading product descriptions, and do not hesitate to ask about anything a specification leaves out, particularly frame material, suspension type and cushion filling. Together, they tell you far more about comfort and lifespan than appearance alone. You can explore fabric sofas in every style and configuration at Furniture in Fashion.
The frame and suspension decide how long the sofa lasts, while cushion filling and fabric shape comfort and appearance. All four matter.
It refers to the result of the Martindale abrasion test, which shows how well a fabric resists wear. Higher figures suggest greater durability.
A fixed or tight back needs less plumping and stays tidier. Pillow backs are relaxed but need regular attention.
It usually describes the side of the chaise or corner as you face the sofa. Check each retailer’s definition before ordering.
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